I'd been a good husband this week but it was still to my surprise that my day pass out had been granted, and I mean DAY pass!
I arrived at the coach at 8.20 am and stumbled through the front door at 10.30 pm in a state! This rock that is pounding away at my head as I write this though is worth it for what a day it was!
We were all set and ready to leave on time... apart from Matt Brown, who lives 5 mins away from our departure point yet still struggles to make it on time. 8.35 and his car pulls up, only 5 minutes late, much to the annoyance of Foxy! Off we set to King's Lynn. An hour into the journey and quiz time. First quiz was on football and it was teams of two, except me who was on my jack jones as Nick was quiz master. I came a credible 4th (or joint second to last!). The winners were the management team of GV and Goodie and they are adamant that the iPad on their lap was in no way a 3rd member of their team.
Next quiz and general knowledge. I can't really remember much of this quiz and I especially can't remember where I finished. As a result I'll just skip over this part!
We arrived at our first stopping (breakfast) at 11.20 (ish). Another great pub with a decent breakfast. Outside we met a woman who was very amused at the idea we were drinking pints before our big game. "He (Cappy) plays better after a few pints" Matt Brown told her. She seemed half cut herself but still doubted that we could be athletes! The banter continued to flow and just before we set off, the woman was offering her number out! What kind of away day was this? Being the responsible husband that I am, I obviously took her number. We had made such an impression on her that she was now a Trafford FC convert and wanted someone to text her the result. Trafford FC Supporters' Club, Sleaford branch!
Back on the fun bus and the energy was up. Maybe something to do with the alcohol. I'm not sure. Laughs were being had and then we started talking about getting a proper fun bus. Now, as chairman of the supporters' club, I made the executive but more importantly, the right decision of sanctioning these two buses:
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| For mid-week games |
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| The fun bus of all fun buses; The Hot Tub Fun Bus! |
After being stuck behind a lorry moving at incredible speeds of 40mph, we finally arrived at King's Lynn FC at 1.30. Just the five hours after we set off. The sun was out and we were all in a good mood. We headed off to a nearby pub, where I somehow ended up drinking 4 pints in just over an hour. This is what happens when there is poor communication when rounds are being done. Oh and despite the four pints (or maybe because of them!), I proved unbeatable at pool. 5 games and 5 wins! Fourth pint downed, some actually in my mouth, most down my chin and jumper and off through the park to the match.
Inside the ground, once i'd paid £10 for an actual ticket (I should think so for £10!), I headed straight to the bar (surprise, surprise). And a very swanky bar it was too. Very posh, now I see why they had to charge £10. In fact, the whole facilities and stand at King's Lynn is probably the best I've seen. Very decent indeed. They even show the game inside the bar... live! Why you would choose to pay £10 (did I metion it cost £10 to get in?) just to watch a game on TV when it is going on outside the bar you are in. Am I making sense? Does that make sense...?
Anyway, we selected our spot for the half and as the whistle blew we were just hoping to finish the game with 11 players. Some King's Lynn fans even joked "how many are you gonna have sent off today then?"
Well 10 minutes in and we might as well have been playing with 8 men again as we were 2 down! A cracking double save from Kieran to keep us 2 down and still in the game. Half Time couldn't come quick enough! The 2nd half started and despite the score and even worse performance, I still believed we could get something...
... 4 minutes into the half and a well worked corner ended in the back of the net. Shelton Payne. 2-1. We went on to dominate most the 2nd half but we couldn't apply a goal to our play. 90 minutes were up. One more chance, come on. The ball was whipped in. I don't remember by who, the alcohol had well and truly kicked in by now. The result was a magical diving header from 20 yards out by Michael Oates*. Into the top corner it flew and delirium for us! What a point!
Once we applauded the lads off we headed to the bar in a great mood.Now it's from this point on that matters are a bit sketchy. I often have memory black outs when drinking. It is very normal for me but it was only 5 pm! I don't know how long we stayed in the club bar. I don;t remember getting on the coach, let alone off it. I do vaguely remember being in a garage and telling Martyn Andrews he was our best player and then walking out with 4 cans of Strongbow. I really don't think I needed them.
The next thing I'm waking up in my bed. I look at the time and it's 8.00 am. Apparently I got in at 10.30. Today I am paying for my antics with the headache of all headaches and many dirty looks off the wife. Both are worth it though for what was a cracking away day!
Oh and happy birthday to Nia. One to remember hopefully, or can't if your me!
I haven't proof read this as my head hurts. If it doesn't make sense or there are mistakes through out - tough!
*I might have exaggerated a little with the goal description but that is how it felt from the sidelines!
Ratings
Game - 9 (we kept 11 men on the pitch and great comeback)
Ground - 9
Food - No idea.
Beer - 8. It did its job!
Fans - 9. Decent folk
Value for money - 8 (a bit pricey but great set up)
MOTM - Martyn Andrews
